Cancer of Food Pipe

Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can spread to other areas of the body. Esophageal cancer (or oesophageal cancer) is cancer arising from the esophagus — the food pipe that runs between the throat and the stomach. It lies behind the trachea (windpipe) and in front of the spine.The two main sub-types of the disease are esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (often abbreviated to ESCC), which is more common in the developing world, and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), which is more common in the developed world.

Prevention includes stop smoking or chewing tobacco. According to the National Cancer Institute, "diets high in cruciferous (cabbage, broccoli/broccolini, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) and green and yellow vegetables and fruits are associated with a decreased risk of esophageal cancer. Dietary fiber is thought to be protective, especially against esophageal adenocarcinoma. But for early detection of any disease patient should consult his/her family physician.

The two main types (i.e. squamous-cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma) have distinct sets of risk factors. Squamous-cell carcinoma is linked to lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol. Adenocarcinoma has been linked to effects of long-term acid reflux.Tobacco is a risk factor for both types.Both types are more common in men and in the over-60s.

Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

Treatment is best managed by a multidisciplinary team covering the various specialties involved. Prominent symptoms usually do not appear until the cancer has infiltrated over 60% of the circumference of the esophageal tube, by which time the tumor is already in an advanced stage.

Life Style Changes - To treat cancer, first eliminate substances that can be causing the cancer. If you smoke or drink alcohol, then stop immediately os that further damage does not take place. Also diet modification should be introduced. Diet which is rich in fibre should be taken so that the effects of cancer start getting reduced.

Medication - If the cancer is widespread, metastatic or recurrent then it is managed palliatively. In this case, chemotherapy may be used to lengthen survival, while treatments such as radiotherapy or stenting may be used to relieve symptoms and make it easier to swallow.

Surgery - There are a number of surgical options, and the best choices for particular situations can be decided after knowing the staging of the cancer. If the cancer is localized and not spread to other parts of the body then Surgery is the best line of treatment. A clean surgery where the surgeon removes all the cancerous tissue and the margins of the removed tissue are clear in frozen section biopsy then the prognosis is very good. This can be followed by chemotherapy.

Best Doctors and Cost

Dr Shahnawaz M is one of the best and extensively trained GI cancer surgeon at Radiant Hospital in Katihar, Bihar for treatment of Esophageal Cancer or Cancer of Food Pipe. The cost of treatment of Esophageal cancer or cancer of food pipe depends upon the staging of the cancer. Hence the cost also varies with the staging. In early stage diagnosis line of treatment followed at Radiant Hospital Mohali, India is surgery followed by chemotherapy. In case of stage 2 or 3 it may be chemotherapy followed by surgery. If you have an individual health insurance policy then this surgery is covered after a period of 1 month from the date of inception of the policy. However if you are a beneficiary of company given policy then the surgery is covered from day one. Always go through the terms of your health insurance policy like room rent capping and co-payment to avoid any kind of financial shocks later on.